Congratulations Zonta and Marge Cavanaugh!​Zonta has been a long time friend and supporter of the Task Force. Zonta's contribution to the Task Force 7 years ago allowed the Task Force to launch a new local support group for survivors and victims of the Ware region which continues today. In 2014, Zonta made a contribution to support the local domestic violence advocate in Ware so she could help vicitms/survivors of nearby towns not covered by state funding. Mary Knight, Zonta President, volunteers her time to maintain the Task Force webpage and has done so for years. Thank you Zonta!

​Local Organization Celebrates 25 Years of Empowering Women and Names Marjorie E. Cavanaugh its Founder’s Day Recipient for 2016

Western MA ~ The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, a member of Zonta International, was chartered in 1991 with a small group of women who wanted to volunteer their time, talent and support to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship programs aimed at fulfilling Zonta’s mission and objectives. Since that time, the club has contributed to improving women’s lives and empowering them so they can develop to their full potential. They’ve also worked on projects to raise awareness on issues of domestic violence, homeless women veterans, trafficking of women and children, and suicide prevention in Western Massachusetts.

In November of each year the club celebrates its Founders Day by giving an award to a woman in the greater Quaboag area who exemplifies the ideals of Zonta International. Recent past recipients include Mary Reardon Johnson, Kathy Picard, Yoko Kato, Anne Gobi, and Bonny Rathbone. This year – in celebration of its 25th – the club has chosen to give this honor to one of its founding members, Marjorie E. Cavanaugh of Palmer. According to Club President Mary Knight, “Marge is the epitome of a leader and role model to many – as a Korean war veteran, one of the first women Postmasters in Belchertown, first female commander of American Legion Post 130, Chaplain for AmVets Post 74, tireless volunteer at the Senior Center, the Palmer Domestic Violence Taskforce, Three Rivers Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Palmer Tercentennial Committee – just to name a few of her interests. She was the second president of the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, has served in every board position and is the first to volunteer for any committee assignment. She also makes a difference in the lives of her family and friends – new and old.” –

The public is invited to join us in celebrating Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley’s 25th Anniversary and in honoring Marge Cavanaugh on November 14th starting at 5:30 with a reception and dinner at the Ludlow Country Club, Ludlow MA. RSVP by November 6th is appreciated. Either send a check ($30/pp) payable to Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, with names of all attendees to ZQV, PO Box 1034, Belchertown, MA 01007-1034 or email info@zontaqv.org with names of all attendees and pay $30/pp at the door – cash, check or credit card.

Zonta International is a leading global organization of nearly 30,000 professionals in 1200 clubs in 67 countries empowering women through service and advocacy. Since 1919 Zonta International has contributed to the advancement of the status of women and, internationally, has distributed more than US$19 million in service projects, fellowships, scholarships and awards. The NGO proudly celebrates that it has changed the lives of more than 2 million women and girls in more than 34 countries. The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley members include residents of Palmer, Ware, Wilbraham, Hampden, Ludlow, Chicopee, Springfield, Westhampton, Amherst, Belchertown, Westfield and Sturbridge. For additional information visit the club’s website at zontaqv.org or email: info@zontaqv.org.